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{{Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy}}
{{Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy}}


{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Soroush}}  
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} Cafer Zorkun, {{Soroush}}  
==Overview==
==Overview==
The progression to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves the [[Mutation|mutations]] in contractile [[Sarcomere|sarcomeric proteins]] of [[myocardium]], which describe the presence of [[Left ventricle|left ventricul]]<nowiki/>ar '''[[Hypertrophy (medical)|hypertrophy]]''' [[Left ventricular hypertrophy|(LVH]]) in the absence of an increased external load (unexplained [[Left ventricular hypertrophy|LVH]]). Additionally, [[Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy|HCM]] [[Hypertrophy (medical)|hypertrophy]] is generally [[Asymmetric septal hypertrophy|asymmetric]].
The progression to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves the [[Mutation|mutations]] in contractile [[Sarcomere|sarcomeric proteins]] of [[myocardium]], which describe the presence of [[Left ventricle|left ventricul]]<nowiki/>ar '''[[Hypertrophy (medical)|hypertrophy]]''' [[Left ventricular hypertrophy|(LVH]]) in the absence of an increased external load (unexplained [[Left ventricular hypertrophy|LVH]]). Additionally, [[Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy|HCM]] [[Hypertrophy (medical)|hypertrophy]] is generally [[Asymmetric septal hypertrophy|asymmetric]].


HCM is the most common genetically transmitted cardiovascular disease.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an [[autosomal dominant]] trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the [[sarcomere]] [[protein]]s. Penetrance of HCM is incomplete, variable and time or age-related.  The disease may be sporadic but affected family members are discovered in 13% of cases.  More than 200 mutations involving at least 10 chromosomes encoding structural proteins of the myocyte have been discovered.  These mutations have varying degrees of penetrance and even the same mutation may have variable expression, implying the superimposed effects of other genes or environmental influences.  Children of a patient with HCM have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.
HCM is the most common [[Genetics|genetically transmitted]] [[cardiovascular disease]].  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an [[autosomal dominant]] trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the [[sarcomere]] [[protein]]s. Penetrance of HCM is incomplete, variable and time or age-related.  The disease may be sporadic but affected family members are discovered in 13% of cases.  More than 200 mutations involving at least 10 [[Chromosome|chromosomes]] encoding structural proteins of the myocyte have been discovered.  These mutations have varying degrees of penetrance and even the same mutation may have variable expression, implying the superimposed effects of other genes or environmental influences.  Children of a patient with HCM have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.


Depending on the degree of obstruction of the outflow of [[blood]] from the [[left ventricle]] of the heart, HCM can be defined as obstructive or non-obstructive. About 25% of individuals with HCM demonstrate an obstruction to the outflow of blood from the left ventricle during rest. In other individuals, obstruction only occurs under certain conditions. This is known as dynamic outflow obstruction because the degree of obstruction is variable and is dependent on the amount of blood in the ventricle immediately before ventricle [[Systole (medicine)|systole]] (contraction).
Depending on the degree of obstruction of the outflow of [[blood]] from the [[left ventricle]] of the heart, HCM can be defined as obstructive or non-obstructive. About 25% of individuals with HCM demonstrate an obstruction to the outflow of blood from the left ventricle during rest. In other individuals, obstruction only occurs under certain conditions. This is known as dynamic outflow obstruction because the degree of obstruction is variable and is dependent on the amount of blood in the ventricle immediately before ventricle [[Systole (medicine)|systole]] (contraction).


Although there may be structural or functional obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, symptoms may arise more often from [[diastolic dysfunction]].There is extensive periarteriolar fibrosis that results in microvascular dysfunction and impairment in coronary flow reserve in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Individuals with HCM have some degree of [[left ventricular hypertrophy]]. In approximately 2/3rds of cases this is asymmetric hypertrophy, involving the interventricular septum, and is known as [[asymmetric septal hypertrophy]] ([http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/html/which_card_hcm.htm ASH]). This is in contrast to the symmetric and concentric hypertrophy seen in [[aortic stenosis]] or [[hypertension]]. On histopathologic examination, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both myocardial disarrays and by periarteriolar fibrosis. Myocardial disarray can be associated with aberrant impulse conduction and [[arrhythmias]], and periarteriolar fibrosis can be associated with [[myocardial ischemia]].
Although there may be structural or functional [[obstruction]] of the left ventricular outflow tract, symptoms may arise more often from [[diastolic dysfunction]].There is extensive periarteriolar fibrosis that results in microvascular dysfunction and impairment in coronary flow reserve in patients with hypertrophic obstructive [[cardiomyopathy]]. Individuals with HCM have some degree of [[left ventricular hypertrophy]]. In approximately 2/3rds of cases this is asymmetric hypertrophy, involving the interventricular septum, and is known as [[asymmetric septal hypertrophy]] ([http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/html/which_card_hcm.htm ASH]). This is in contrast to the symmetric and concentric [[Hypertrophy (medical)|hypertrophy]] seen in [[aortic stenosis]] or [[hypertension]]. On histopathologic examination, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both myocardial disarrays and by periarteriolar fibrosis. Myocardial disarray can be associated with aberrant impulse conduction and [[arrhythmias]], and periarteriolar [[fibrosis]] can be associated with [[myocardial ischemia]].


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
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===Pathogenesis===
===Pathogenesis===
*The progression to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves the mutations in contractile sarcomeric proteins of myocardium, which describe the presence of left ventricular '''hypertrophy''' (LVH) in the absence of an increased external load (unexplained LVH).  
*The progression to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves the mutations in contractile sarcomeric proteins of myocardium, which describe the presence of [[Left ventricular hypertrophy|left ventricular '''hypertrophy''' (LVH)]] in the absence of an increased external load (unexplained LVH).
*Additionally, HCM hypertrophy is generally asymmetric.
*Additionally, HCM hypertrophy is generally asymmetric.


==Genetics==
==Genetics==
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is transmitted in an [[Dominance relationship|autosomal dominant]] pattern.


Genes involved in the pathogenesis of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:
Genes involved in the [[pathogenesis]] of [[hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]] include:


*MYH7
*[[MYH7]]
*TNNT2
*[[TNNT2]]
*TPM1
*[[TPM1]]


The development of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the result of multiple genetic mutations such as:
The development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the result of multiple genetic mutations such as:


*Beta-myosin heavy chain
*[[Myosin|Beta-myosin heavy chain]]
*Myosin binding protein C
*[[Myosin]] binding protein C
*Cardiac troponin T
*[[Cardiac troponin|Cardiac troponin T]]
 
HCM is the most common [[Genetics|geneticall]]<nowiki/>y transmitted cardiovascular disease.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an [[autosomal dominant]] trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the [[sarcomere]] [[protein]]s. <ref>Maron BJ, Moller JH, Seidman CE et al. Impact of laboratory molecular diagnosis on contemporary diagnostic criteria for genetically transmitted cardiovascular diseases. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long-QT syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. [A statement for healthcare professionals from the Councils on Clinical Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, and Basic Science, American Heart Association]. Circulation 1998;98:1460–71.</ref><ref>Schwartz K, Carrier L, Guicheney P, Komajda M. Molecular basis of familial cardiomyopathies. Circulation 1995;91:532–40.</ref><ref>Niimura H, Bachinski LL, Sangwatanaroj S et al. Mutations in the gene for cardiac myosin-binding protein C and late-onset familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 1998;338:1248–57.</ref><ref>Thierfelder L, Watkins H, MacRae C et al. Alpha-tropomyosin and cardiac troponin T mutations cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A disease of the sarcomere. Cell 1994;77:701–12.</ref><ref>Watkins H, McKenna WJ, Thierfelder L et al. Mutations in the genes for cardiac troponin T and alpha-tropomyosin in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 1995;332:1058–64.</ref><ref>Charron P, Dubourg O, Desnos M et al. Clinical features and prognostic implications of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy related to the cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene. Circulation 1998;97: 2230–6.</ref><ref>Maron BJ, Niimura H, Casey SA et al. Development of left ventricular hypertrophy in adults in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene mutations. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;38:315–21.</ref><ref>Anan R, Greve G, Thierfelder L et al. Prognostic implications of novel beta cardiac myosin heavy chain gene mutations that cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 1994;93:280–5.</ref><ref>Coviello DA, Maron BJ, Spirito P et al. Clinical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by mutation of a “hot spot” in the alpha-tropomyosin gene. J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:635–40.</ref><ref>Blair E, Redwood C, Ashrafian H et al. Mutations in the gamma(2) subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Evidence for the central role of energy compromise in disease pathogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2001;10:1215–20.</ref><ref>Erdmann J, Raible J, Maki-Abadi J et al. Spectrum of clinical phenotypes and gene variants in cardiac myosin-binding protein C mutation carriers with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;38:322–30.</ref><ref>Gruver EJ, Fatkin D, Dodds GA et al. Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation caused by Arg663His beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain mutation. Am J Cardiol 1999;83:13H–8H.</ref><ref>Kimura A, Harada H, Park JE et al. Mutations in the cardiac troponin I gene associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Nat Genet 1997;16:379–82.</ref><ref>Marian AJ, Roberts R. Recent advances in the molecular genetics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation 1995;92:1336–47.</ref><ref>Niimura H, Patton KK, McKenna WJ et al. Sarcomere protein gene mutations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of the elderly. Circulation 2002;105:446–51.</ref>  [[Penetrance]] of HCM is incomplete, variable and time or age-related.  The disease may be sporadic but affected family members are discovered in 13% of cases.  More than 200 mutations involving at least 10 [[chromosome]]<nowiki/>s encoding structural proteins of the myocyte have been discovered.  These mutations have varying degrees of penetrance and even the same mutation may have variable expression, implying superimposed effects of other genes or environmental influences.  Children of a patient with HCM have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.


HCM is the most common genetically transmitted cardiovascular disease.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an [[autosomal dominant]] trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the [[sarcomere]] [[protein]]s <ref>Maron BJ, Moller JH, Seidman CE et al. Impact of laboratory molecular diagnosis on contemporary diagnostic criteria for genetically transmitted cardiovascular diseases. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long-QT syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. [A statement for healthcare professionals from the Councils on Clinical Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, and Basic Science, American Heart Association]. Circulation 1998;98:1460–71.</ref><ref>Schwartz K, Carrier L, Guicheney P, Komajda M. Molecular basis of familial cardiomyopathies. Circulation 1995;91:532–40.</ref><ref>Niimura H, Bachinski LL, Sangwatanaroj S et al. Mutations in the gene for cardiac myosin-binding protein C and late-onset familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 1998;338:1248–57.</ref><ref>Thierfelder L, Watkins H, MacRae C et al. Alpha-tropomyosin and cardiac troponin T mutations cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A disease of the sarcomere. Cell 1994;77:701–12.</ref><ref>Watkins H, McKenna WJ, Thierfelder L et al. Mutations in the genes for cardiac troponin T and alpha-tropomyosin in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 1995;332:1058–64.</ref><ref>Charron P, Dubourg O, Desnos M et al. Clinical features and prognostic implications of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy related to the cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene. Circulation 1998;97: 2230–6.</ref><ref>Maron BJ, Niimura H, Casey SA et al. Development of left ventricular hypertrophy in adults in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene mutations. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;38:315–21.</ref><ref>Anan R, Greve G, Thierfelder L et al. Prognostic implications of novel beta cardiac myosin heavy chain gene mutations that cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 1994;93:280–5.</ref><ref>Coviello DA, Maron BJ, Spirito P et al. Clinical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by mutation of a “hot spot” in the alpha-tropomyosin gene. J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:635–40.</ref><ref>Blair E, Redwood C, Ashrafian H et al. Mutations in the gamma(2) subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Evidence for the central role of energy compromise in disease pathogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2001;10:1215–20.</ref><ref>Erdmann J, Raible J, Maki-Abadi J et al. Spectrum of clinical phenotypes and gene variants in cardiac myosin-binding protein C mutation carriers with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;38:322–30.</ref><ref>Gruver EJ, Fatkin D, Dodds GA et al. Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation caused by Arg663His beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain mutation. Am J Cardiol 1999;83:13H–8H.</ref><ref>Kimura A, Harada H, Park JE et al. Mutations in the cardiac troponin I gene associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Nat Genet 1997;16:379–82.</ref><ref>Marian AJ, Roberts R. Recent advances in the molecular genetics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation 1995;92:1336–47.</ref><ref>Niimura H, Patton KK, McKenna WJ et al. Sarcomere protein gene mutations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of the elderly. Circulation 2002;105:446–51.</ref>.  Penetrance of HCM is incomplete, variable and time or age-related.  The disease may be sporadic but affected family members are discovered in 13% of cases.  More than 200 mutations involving at least 10 chromosomes encoding structural proteins of the myocyte have been discovered.  These mutations have varying degrees of penetrance and even the same mutation may have variable expression, implying superimposed effects of other genes or environmental influences.  Children of a patient with HCM have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.


===Mutations===
===Mutations===
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Mutations in three regions affect more than half the patients with HCM:
Mutations in three regions affect more than half the patients with HCM:
*Beta-myosin heavy chain
*Beta-myosin heavy chain
*Myosin binding protein C
*[[Myosin]] binding protein C
*Cardiac troponin T
*[[Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT)|Cardiac troponin]] T


====Complete List of Mutations====
====Complete List of Mutations====
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an [[autosomal dominant]] trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the [[sarcomere]] [[protein]]s including beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain (the first gene identified), cardiac actin, [[troponin T|cardiac troponin T]], alpha-tropomyosin, [[troponin I|cardiac troponin I]], cardiac myosin-binding protein C, and the myosin light chains.  Specific gene mutations that have been identified include the following:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an [[autosomal dominant]] trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the [[sarcomere]] [[protein]]s including beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain (the first gene identified), cardiac actin, [[troponin T|cardiac troponin T]], alpha-[[tropomyosin]], [[troponin I|cardiac troponin I]], cardiac myosin-binding protein C, and the myosin light chains.  Specific gene mutations that have been identified include the following:


{| class="wikitable" class="sortable wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" class="sortable wikitable"
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|}
|}


While the above table represents the most common genetic mutations, there are also about 200 intergenic (within a gene) mutations.  These include [[missense]] and single amino acid residue substitutions. There are different genetic mutations in different families. The environment may also play a role because affected individuals in the same family may have a different [[phenotypic]] expression (i.e different degrees of [[left ventricular hypertrophy]]). The goal of modifier genes in regulating phenotypic expression is not clear.
While the above table represents the most common genetic mutations, there are also about 200 intergenic (within a gene) [[Mutation|mutations]].  These include [[missense]] and single [[amino acid]] residue substitutions. There are different genetic mutations in different families. The environment may also play a role because affected individuals in the same family may have a different [[phenotypic]] expression (i.e different degrees of [[left ventricular hypertrophy]]). The goal of modifier genes in regulating phenotypic expression is not clear.


While genes, gene modifiers, and environment may play a role in the phenotypic expression of [[left ventricular hypertrophy]], genes may also play a role in the risk of [[arrhythmias]].  
While genes, gene modifiers, and environment may play a role in the [[Phenotype|phenotyp]]<nowiki/>ic expression of [[left ventricular hypertrophy]], genes may also play a role in the risk of [[arrhythmias]].  
While most literature so far focuses on European, American, and Japanese populations, HCM appears in all racial groups. The incidence of HCM is about 0.2% to 0.5% of the general population.
While most literature so far focuses on European, American, and Japanese populations, HCM appears in all [[Race|races.]] The incidence of HCM is about 0.2% to 0.5% of the general population.


===Specific Chromosomal Abnormalities===
===Specific Chromosomal Abnormalities===
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===<small>Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C-Chromosome 11</small>===
===<small>Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C-Chromosome 11</small>===
This chromosomal abnormality accounts for 15% to 35% of patients, but given the reduced penetrance associated with this abnormality, the true incidence may actually be greater.  Patients generally present later in life and in general, have a better prognosis than beta myosin heavy chain or cardiac troponin T mutations.  Up to 60% of patients at age 50 years have no evidence of [[LVH]].  LVH may appear later in life in these patients. Because of this, a normal EKG and a normal ECHO at age 18 does not exclude the presence of HCM.
This chromosomal abnormality accounts for 15% to 35% of patients, but given the reduced penetrance associated with this abnormality, the true incidence may actually be greater.  Patients generally present later in life and in general, have a better prognosis than beta myosin heavy chain or cardiac troponin T mutations.  Up to 60% of patients at age 50 years have no evidence of [[LVH]].  LVH may appear later in life in these patients. Because of this, a normal EKG and a normal [[echocardiography]] at age 18 does not exclude the presence of HCM.


====Arg663 His mutation====
====Arg663 His mutation====
The beta-myosin heavy chain Arg663 His mutation is associated with a higher risk of [[atrial fibrillation]] <ref>Seidman JG, Seidman CE. The genetic basis for cardiomyopathy.
The [[Myosin|beta-myosin]] heavy chain Arg663 His mutation is associated with a higher risk of [[atrial fibrillation|atrial fibrillation.]] <ref>Seidman JG, Seidman CE. The genetic basis for cardiomyopathy.
From mutation identification to mechanistic paradigms. Cell 2001;
From mutation identification to mechanistic paradigms. Cell 2001;
104:557–67.</ref>.
104:557–67.</ref>


====PRKAG2 Mutation====
====PRKAG2 Mutation====
There is no myocyte disarray, but the conduction block is present. This variant is more akin to a storage disease<ref>Arad M, Benson DW, Perez-Atayde AR et al. Constitutively active AMP kinase mutations cause glycogen storage disease mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 2002;109:357–62.</ref>.
There is no myocyte disarray, but the [[Heart block|conduction block]] is present. This variant is more akin to a storage disease.<ref>Arad M, Benson DW, Perez-Atayde AR et al. Constitutively active AMP kinase mutations cause glycogen storage disease mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 2002;109:357–62.</ref>


===Mutations that Alter the Phenotypic Expression of the Disease===
===Mutations that Alter the Phenotypic Expression of the Disease===
An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the [[gene]] encoding for [[angiotensin converting enzyme]] (ACE) alters the clinical [[phenotype]] of the disease. The D/D (deletion/deletion) genotype of ACE is associated with more marked hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes <ref name="Doolan, Nguyen et al 2004">Doolan G, Nguyen L, Chung J, Ingles J, Semsarian C. Progression of left ventricular hypertrophy and the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ''Int J Cardiol''. 2004 Aug; '''96'''(2):157–63. ([http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15314809 Medline abstract])</ref> <ref name="Marian, Yu et al 1993">Marian AJ, Yu QT, Workman R, Greve G, Roberts R. Angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. ''Lancet''. 1993 Oct 30; '''342'''(8879):1085–6. ([http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8105312 Medline abstract])</ref>.
An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the [[gene]] encoding for [[angiotensin converting enzyme]] (ACE) alters the clinical [[phenotype]] of the disease. The D/D (deletion/deletion) [[genotype]] of ACE is associated with more marked hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes. <ref name="Doolan, Nguyen et al 2004">Doolan G, Nguyen L, Chung J, Ingles J, Semsarian C. Progression of left ventricular hypertrophy and the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ''Int J Cardiol''. 2004 Aug; '''96'''(2):157–63. ([http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15314809 Medline abstract])</ref> <ref name="Marian, Yu et al 1993">Marian AJ, Yu QT, Workman R, Greve G, Roberts R. Angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. ''Lancet''. 1993 Oct 30; '''342'''(8879):1085–6. ([http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8105312 Medline abstract])</ref>


===Genetic Testing===
===Genetic Testing===
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===Causes of Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction: Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve (SAM)===
===Causes of Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction: Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve (SAM)===
If dynamic outflow obstruction is present in a patient with HCM, it is usually due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior leaflet of the [[mitral valve]]. The systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) may be due to a subaortic bulge of the septum along with narrowing the left ventricular outflow tract, which taken together cause high-velocity flow. This, in turn, is associated with the Venturi effect which is a local low-pressure zone in the left ventricular outflow tract. This low-pressure zone was thought to suck the [[mitral valve]] anteriorly into the septum. More recently, however, SAM onset has been observed to be instead a low-velocity phenomenon. <ref name="Jiang, Levine et al 1987">Jiang L, Levine RA, King ME, Weyman AE. An integrated mechanism for the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on echocardiographic observations. ''Am Heart J'' 1987; '''113''':633–44</ref> <ref name="Sherrid, Gunsburg et al 2000">Sherrid MV, Gunsburg DZ, Moldenhauer S, Pearle G. Systolic anterior motion begins at low left ventricular outflow tract velocity in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ''[[Journal of the American College of Cardiology|J Am Coll Cardiol]]'' 2000; '''36''':1344–54</ref>. The role of Venturi forces in the left ventricular outflow tract may be less important than previously thought.   
If dynamic outflow obstruction is present in a patient with HCM, it is usually due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior leaflet of the [[mitral valve]]. The systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) may be due to a subaortic bulge of the septum along with narrowing the left ventricular outflow tract, which taken together cause high-velocity flow. This, in turn, is associated with the Venturi effect which is a local low-pressure zone in the left ventricular outflow tract. This low-pressure zone was thought to suck the [[mitral valve]] anteriorly into the septum. More recently, however, SAM onset has been observed to be instead a low-velocity phenomenon. <ref name="Jiang, Levine et al 1987">Jiang L, Levine RA, King ME, Weyman AE. An integrated mechanism for the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on echocardiographic observations. ''Am Heart J'' 1987; '''113''':633–44</ref> <ref name="Sherrid, Gunsburg et al 2000">Sherrid MV, Gunsburg DZ, Moldenhauer S, Pearle G. Systolic anterior motion begins at low left ventricular outflow tract velocity in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ''[[Journal of the American College of Cardiology|J Am Coll Cardiol]]'' 2000; '''36''':1344–54</ref> The role of Venturi forces in the left ventricular outflow tract may be less important than previously thought.  While the Venturi effect was thought to cause the abnormality in prior studies, more recent echocardiographic studies indicates that drag, which is more of a pushing force rather than a sucking force like the Venturi effect, maybe the dominant hydrodynamic force acting on the mitral leaflets.<ref name="Jiang, Levine et al 1987" /><ref name="Sherrid, Gunsburg et al 2000" /><ref name="Sherrid, Chu et al 1993">Sherrid MV, Chu Ck, DeLia E, Mogtader A, Dwyer Jr. EM, An echocardiographic study of the fluid mechanics of obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ''[[Journal of the American College of Cardiology|J Am Coll Cardiol]]'' 1993; '''22''':816–25</ref><ref name="Levine, Vlahakes et al 1995">Levine RA, Vlahakes GJ, Lefebvre X, et al. Papillary muscle displacement causes systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. ''[[Circulation (journal)|Circulation]]'' 1995; '''91''':1189–95</ref><ref name="Messmer 1994">Messmer BJ. Extended myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. ''Ann Thorac Surg'' 1994; '''58''':575–7</ref><ref name="Schoendube, Klues et al 1995">Schoendube FA, Klues HG, Reith S, Flachskampf FA, Hanrath P, Messmer BJ. Long-term clinical and echocardiographic follow-up after surgical correction of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with extended myectomy and reconstruction of the subvalvular mitral apparatus. ''[[Circulation (journal)|Circulation]]'' 1995; '''92''':II-122–7</ref>
While the Venturi effect was thought to cause the abnormality in prior studies, more recent echocardiographic studies indicates that drag, which is more of a pushing force rather than a sucking force like the Venturi effect, maybe the dominant hydrodynamic force acting on the mitral leaflets
<ref name="Jiang, Levine et al 1987" /><ref name="Sherrid, Gunsburg et al 2000" /><ref name="Sherrid, Chu et al 1993">Sherrid MV, Chu Ck, DeLia E, Mogtader A, Dwyer Jr. EM, An echocardiographic study of the fluid mechanics of obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ''[[Journal of the American College of Cardiology|J Am Coll Cardiol]]'' 1993; '''22''':816–25</ref><ref name="Levine, Vlahakes et al 1995">Levine RA, Vlahakes GJ, Lefebvre X, et al. Papillary muscle displacement causes systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. ''[[Circulation (journal)|Circulation]]'' 1995; '''91''':1189–95</ref><ref name="Messmer 1994">Messmer BJ. Extended myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. ''Ann Thorac Surg'' 1994; '''58''':575–7</ref>
<ref name="Schoendube, Klues et al 1995">Schoendube FA, Klues HG, Reith S, Flachskampf FA, Hanrath P, Messmer BJ. Long-term clinical and echocardiographic follow-up after surgical correction of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with extended myectomy and reconstruction of the subvalvular mitral apparatus. ''[[Circulation (journal)|Circulation]]'' 1995; '''92''':II-122–7</ref>.


The videos below show examples of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve:
The videos below show examples of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve:
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=== Pathophysiologic Consequences of Outflow Obstruction===
=== Pathophysiologic Consequences of Outflow Obstruction===


Chronic outflow obstruction and result in the following abnormalities<ref>Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S et al. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2003;348:295–303.</ref><ref>Choudhury L, Mahrholdt H, Wagner A et al. Myocardial scarring in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002;40:2156–64.</ref>:
Chronic outflow obstruction and result in the following abnormalities:<ref>Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S et al. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2003;348:295–303.</ref><ref>Choudhury L, Mahrholdt H, Wagner A et al. Myocardial scarring in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002;40:2156–64.</ref>


*Increased left ventricular wall stress
*Increased left ventricular wall stress
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===Prognostic Significance of Outflow Obstruction===
===Prognostic Significance of Outflow Obstruction===


The presence of outflow obstruction is associated with a twofold increased risk of death and a 4.4 fold increase in the risk of progression to New York Heart Association class III or IV [[heart failure]] <ref>Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S et al. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2003;348:295–303.</ref><ref>Kofflard MJ, Ten Cate FJ, van der Lee C, van Domburg RT. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a large community-based population. Clinical outcome and identification of risk factors for sudden cardiac death and clinical deterioration. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:987–93.</ref>Above a gradient of 30 mm Hg, there was no further increase in the risk of [[sudden cardiac death]] or progression of [[congestive heart failure]] symptoms<ref>Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S et al. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2003;348:295–303.</ref>.
The presence of outflow obstruction is associated with a twofold increased risk of death and a 4.4 fold increase in the risk of progression to New York Heart Association class III or IV [[heart failure]]. <ref>Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S et al. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2003;348:295–303.</ref><ref>Kofflard MJ, Ten Cate FJ, van der Lee C, van Domburg RT. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a large community-based population. Clinical outcome and identification of risk factors for sudden cardiac death and clinical deterioration. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:987–93.</ref> Above a gradient of 30 mm Hg, there was no further increase in the risk of [[sudden cardiac death]] or progression of [[congestive heart failure]] symptoms.<ref>Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S et al. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2003;348:295–303.</ref>
==Ischemia==
==Ischemia==
There is extensive periarteriolar fibrosis that results in microvascular dysfunction and impairment in coronary flow reserve in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
There is extensive periarteriolar fibrosis that results in microvascular dysfunction and impairment in coronary flow reserve in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.


===Histopathology===
===Histopathology===
Compared to normal arterioles on the left, the arterioles from a patient with hyertension (middle) show moderate periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. Shown on the right is a patient with HCM in which there is even more signficant periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. This thickening of the wall of the intramyocardial arterioles leads to an increased wall/lumen ratio, subendocardial ischemia and impaired [[coronary flow reserve]]<ref name="pmid9842009">{{cite journal| author=Lorenzoni R, Gistri R, Cecchi F, Olivotto I, Chiriatti G, Elliott P et al.| title=Coronary vasodilator reserve is impaired in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1998 | volume= 136 | issue= 6 | pages= 972-81 | pmid=9842009 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9842009  }} </ref><ref name="pmid10097830">{{cite journal| author=Choudhury L, Elliott P, Rimoldi O, Ryan M, Lammertsma AA, Boyd H et al.| title=Transmural myocardial blood flow distribution in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and effect of treatment. | journal=Basic Res Cardiol | year= 1999 | volume= 94 | issue= 1 | pages= 49-59 | pmid=10097830 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>. Patients who subsequently died in one series had abnormal coronary flow reserve on PET scanning at baseline indicating that ischemia may play a role, at least in part, in subsequent mortality.
Compared to normal arterioles on the left, the arterioles from a patient with hyertension (middle) show moderate periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. Shown on the right is a patient with HCM in which there is even more signficant periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. This thickening of the wall of the intramyocardial arterioles leads to an increased wall/lumen ratio, subendocardial ischemia and impaired [[coronary flow reserve|coronary flow reserve.]]<ref name="pmid9842009">{{cite journal| author=Lorenzoni R, Gistri R, Cecchi F, Olivotto I, Chiriatti G, Elliott P et al.| title=Coronary vasodilator reserve is impaired in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1998 | volume= 136 | issue= 6 | pages= 972-81 | pmid=9842009 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9842009  }} </ref><ref name="pmid10097830">{{cite journal| author=Choudhury L, Elliott P, Rimoldi O, Ryan M, Lammertsma AA, Boyd H et al.| title=Transmural myocardial blood flow distribution in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and effect of treatment. | journal=Basic Res Cardiol | year= 1999 | volume= 94 | issue= 1 | pages= 49-59 | pmid=10097830 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref> Patients who subsequently died in one series had abnormal coronary flow reserve on PET scanning at baseline indicating that ischemia may play a role, at least in part, in subsequent mortality.


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===Ventricular Arrhythmias===
===Ventricular Arrhythmias===
Ventricular arrhythmias and degeneration into sudden cardiac death may be due to the following:
[[Ventricular arrhythmias|Ventricular arrhythmia]]<nowiki/>s and degeneration into [[sudden cardiac death]] may be due to the following:


*Primary arrhythmias
*Primary [[Cardiac arrhythmia|arrhythmia]]<nowiki/>s
*The presence of myocardial disarray
*The presence of [[myocardial disarray]]
*The presence of scar or fibrosis
*The presence of scar or [[fibrosis]]
*Hemodynamic instability with diminished [[stroke volume]]
*Hemodynamic instability with diminished [[stroke volume]]
*The presence of ischemia
*The presence of [[ischemia]]


It must be emphasized that atrial arrhythmias (which are commonly detected on ambulatory monitoring) can lead to ischemia and hemodynamic compromise which may, in turn, lead to [[sudden cardiac death]] in these patients as well.
It must be emphasized that atrial arrhythmias (which are commonly detected on ambulatory monitoring) can lead to ischemia and hemodynamic compromise which may, in turn, lead to [[sudden cardiac death]] in these patients as well.
Line 252: Line 250:


==Histopathologic Abnormalities==
==Histopathologic Abnormalities==
On histopathologic examination, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both myocardial disarrays and by periarteriolar fibrosis. Myocardial disarray can be associated with aberrant impulse conduction and [[arrhythmias]], and periarteriolar fibrosis can be associated with [[myocardial ischemia]].
On histopathologic examination, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both [[myocardial disarray]]<nowiki/>s and by [[Fibrosis|periarteriolar fibrosis.]] [[Myocardial disarray]] can be associated with aberrant impulse conduction and [[arrhythmias]], and periarteriolar fibrosis can be associated with [[myocardial ischemia]].
===Myocardial Disarray===
===Myocardial Disarray===
In HCM, the normal alignment of muscle cells is disrupted (there is a swirling pattern to the arrangement of the muscle cells), a phenomenon known as [[myocardial disarray]]. HCM is believed to be due to a mutation in one of many [[gene]]s that results in a mutated myosin heavy chain, one of the components of the [[myocyte]] (the muscle cell of the heart). Histopathologically, the cardiac [[sarcomere]] is abnormal resulting in hypertrophy of the [[left ventricle]] in the absence of other disorders that could produce the condition such as [[hypertension]], [[amyloid]] or [[aortic stenosis]].  The presence of [[myocardial disarray]] may be associated with abnormalities of electrical conduction in the heart (including electrical reentry loops) which thereby contributes to an increased risk of [[sudden cardiac death]].
In HCM, the normal alignment of muscle cells is disrupted (there is a swirling pattern to the arrangement of the muscle cells), a phenomenon known as [[myocardial disarray]]. HCM is believed to be due to a mutation in one of many [[gene]]s that results in a mutated myosin heavy chain, one of the components of the [[myocyte]] (the muscle cell of the heart). Histopathologically, the cardiac [[sarcomere]] is abnormal resulting in hypertrophy of the [[left ventricle]] in the absence of other disorders that could produce the condition such as [[hypertension]], [[amyloid]] or [[aortic stenosis]].  The presence of [[myocardial disarray]] may be associated with abnormalities of electrical conduction in the heart (including electrical reentry loops) which thereby contributes to an increased risk of [[sudden cardiac death]].
Line 265: Line 263:


===Periarteriolar Fibrosis===
===Periarteriolar Fibrosis===
Compared to normal arterioles on the left, the arterioles from a patient with hyertension (middle) show moderate periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. Shown on the right is a patient with HCM in which there is even more signficant periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. This thickening of the wall of the intramyocardial arterioles leads to an increased wall/lumen ratio, subendocardial ischemia and impaired [[coronary flow reserve]]<ref name="pmid9842009">{{cite journal| author=Lorenzoni R, Gistri R, Cecchi F, Olivotto I, Chiriatti G, Elliott P et al.| title=Coronary vasodilator reserve is impaired in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1998 | volume= 136 | issue= 6 | pages= 972-81 | pmid=9842009 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9842009  }} </ref><ref name="pmid10097830">{{cite journal| author=Choudhury L, Elliott P, Rimoldi O, Ryan M, Lammertsma AA, Boyd H et al.| title=Transmural myocardial blood flow distribution in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and effect of treatment. | journal=Basic Res Cardiol | year= 1999 | volume= 94 | issue= 1 | pages= 49-59 | pmid=10097830 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>. Patients who subsequently died in one series had abnormal coronary flow reserve on PET scanning at baseline indicating that ischemia may play a role, at least in part, in subsequent mortality.
Compared to normal arterioles on the left, the arterioles from a patient with hyertension (middle) show moderate periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. Shown on the right is a patient with HCM in which there is even more signficant periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. This thickening of the wall of the intramyocardial arterioles leads to an increased wall/lumen ratio, subendocardial ischemia and impaired [[coronary flow reserve]].<ref name="pmid9842009">{{cite journal| author=Lorenzoni R, Gistri R, Cecchi F, Olivotto I, Chiriatti G, Elliott P et al.| title=Coronary vasodilator reserve is impaired in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction. | journal=Am Heart J | year= 1998 | volume= 136 | issue= 6 | pages= 972-81 | pmid=9842009 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9842009  }} </ref><ref name="pmid10097830">{{cite journal| author=Choudhury L, Elliott P, Rimoldi O, Ryan M, Lammertsma AA, Boyd H et al.| title=Transmural myocardial blood flow distribution in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and effect of treatment. | journal=Basic Res Cardiol | year= 1999 | volume= 94 | issue= 1 | pages= 49-59 | pmid=10097830 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref> Patients who subsequently died in one series had abnormal coronary flow reserve on PET scanning at baseline indicating that ischemia may play a role, at least in part, in subsequent mortality.


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==Gross Pathology==
==Gross Pathology==
On gross pathology, asymmetric interventricular wall thickening is characteristic findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Subaortic stenosis could be evident in many cases.
On gross pathology, asymmetric interventricular wall thickening is characteristic findings of [[hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]]. Subaortic stenosis could be evident in many cases.
In the Yamaguchi subtype, there is apical hypertrophy.
In the Yamaguchi subtype, there is apical hypertrophy.


==Microscopic Pathology==
==Microscopic Pathology==
On microscopic histopathological analysis, myocardial disarray, periarteriolar fibrosis, and hypertrophy are characteristic findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
On microscopic [[Histopathology|histopathologic]]<nowiki/>al analysis, [[myocardial disarray]], periarteriolar [[fibrosis]], and hypertrophy are characteristic findings of [[hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]].


Histopathologically, small vessels have hypertrophy of the tunica media.  Combined with increased wall tension, decreased vasodilator reserve, and inadequate capillary density, there is a mismatch between blood supply and demand.  Over time, it is thought that there is repeated ischemia followed by fibrosis and eventually, dilation and systolic dysfunction (“burned out hypertrophy”).
Histopathologically, small vessels have hypertrophy of the [[tunica media]].  Combined with increased wall tension, decreased [[vasodilator]] reserve, and inadequate [[capillary]] density, there is a mismatch between blood supply and demand.  Over time, it is thought that there is repeated ischemia followed by [[fibrosis]] and eventually, dilation and [[systolic dysfunction]] (“burned out hypertrophy”).


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Latest revision as of 22:25, 27 January 2020

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Microchapters

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, Soroush Seifirad, M.D.[2]

Overview

The progression to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves the mutations in contractile sarcomeric proteins of myocardium, which describe the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the absence of an increased external load (unexplained LVH). Additionally, HCM hypertrophy is generally asymmetric.

HCM is the most common genetically transmitted cardiovascular disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the sarcomere proteins. Penetrance of HCM is incomplete, variable and time or age-related. The disease may be sporadic but affected family members are discovered in 13% of cases. More than 200 mutations involving at least 10 chromosomes encoding structural proteins of the myocyte have been discovered. These mutations have varying degrees of penetrance and even the same mutation may have variable expression, implying the superimposed effects of other genes or environmental influences. Children of a patient with HCM have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.

Depending on the degree of obstruction of the outflow of blood from the left ventricle of the heart, HCM can be defined as obstructive or non-obstructive. About 25% of individuals with HCM demonstrate an obstruction to the outflow of blood from the left ventricle during rest. In other individuals, obstruction only occurs under certain conditions. This is known as dynamic outflow obstruction because the degree of obstruction is variable and is dependent on the amount of blood in the ventricle immediately before ventricle systole (contraction).

Although there may be structural or functional obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, symptoms may arise more often from diastolic dysfunction.There is extensive periarteriolar fibrosis that results in microvascular dysfunction and impairment in coronary flow reserve in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Individuals with HCM have some degree of left ventricular hypertrophy. In approximately 2/3rds of cases this is asymmetric hypertrophy, involving the interventricular septum, and is known as asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH). This is in contrast to the symmetric and concentric hypertrophy seen in aortic stenosis or hypertension. On histopathologic examination, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both myocardial disarrays and by periarteriolar fibrosis. Myocardial disarray can be associated with aberrant impulse conduction and arrhythmias, and periarteriolar fibrosis can be associated with myocardial ischemia.

Pathophysiology

Physiology

The normal physiology of myocardium can be understood as follows:

  • The myocardium is composed of specialized cardiac muscle cells with an ability not possessed by muscle tissue elsewhere in the body. Cardiac muscle, like other muscles, can contract, but it can also carry an action potential (i.e. conduct electricity), like the neurones that constitute nerves.

Pathogenesis

  • The progression to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually involves the mutations in contractile sarcomeric proteins of myocardium, which describe the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the absence of an increased external load (unexplained LVH).
  • Additionally, HCM hypertrophy is generally asymmetric.

Genetics

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Genes involved in the pathogenesis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

The development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the result of multiple genetic mutations such as:

HCM is the most common genetically transmitted cardiovascular disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the sarcomere proteins. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Penetrance of HCM is incomplete, variable and time or age-related. The disease may be sporadic but affected family members are discovered in 13% of cases. More than 200 mutations involving at least 10 chromosomes encoding structural proteins of the myocyte have been discovered. These mutations have varying degrees of penetrance and even the same mutation may have variable expression, implying superimposed effects of other genes or environmental influences. Children of a patient with HCM have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.


Mutations

Common Mutations

Mutations in three regions affect more than half the patients with HCM:

Complete List of Mutations

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is attributed to mutations in one of a number of genes that encode for one of the sarcomere proteins including beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain (the first gene identified), cardiac actin, cardiac troponin T, alpha-tropomyosin, cardiac troponin I, cardiac myosin-binding protein C, and the myosin light chains. Specific gene mutations that have been identified include the following:

Gene Locus Type
MYH7 14q12 CMH1
TNNT2 1q32 CMH2
TPM1 15q22.1 CMH3 (115196)
MYBPC3 11p11.2 CMH4 (115197)
? ? CMH5
PRKAG2 7q36 CMH6 (600858)
TNNI3 19q13.4 CMH7
MYL3 3p CMH8 (608751)
TTN 2q24.3 CMH9
MYL2 12q23-q24 CMH10
ACTC1 15q14 CMH11 (612098)
CSRP3 11p15.1 CMH12 (612124)

While the above table represents the most common genetic mutations, there are also about 200 intergenic (within a gene) mutations. These include missense and single amino acid residue substitutions. There are different genetic mutations in different families. The environment may also play a role because affected individuals in the same family may have a different phenotypic expression (i.e different degrees of left ventricular hypertrophy). The goal of modifier genes in regulating phenotypic expression is not clear.

While genes, gene modifiers, and environment may play a role in the phenotypic expression of left ventricular hypertrophy, genes may also play a role in the risk of arrhythmias. While most literature so far focuses on European, American, and Japanese populations, HCM appears in all races. The incidence of HCM is about 0.2% to 0.5% of the general population.

Specific Chromosomal Abnormalities

β Myosin Heavy Chain-Chromosome 14 q11.2-3

In individuals without a family history of HCM, the most common cause of the disease is a de novo mutation of the gene that produces the β-myosin heavy chain. This chromosomal abnormality accounts for approximately 35%-45% of HCM cases. Significant LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy) is usually present. The Arg403Gln mutation is associated with an extremely poor prognosis with an average age of death at 33 years, while the Val606Met mutation is associated with a better prognosis.

Cardiac Troponin T-Chromosome 11

Accounts for approximately 15% of cases. Substantially less hypertrophy is noted but histology demonstrates the characteristic myocyte disarray of HCM. Most mutations of this gene are associated with markedly reduced survival.

Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C-Chromosome 11

This chromosomal abnormality accounts for 15% to 35% of patients, but given the reduced penetrance associated with this abnormality, the true incidence may actually be greater. Patients generally present later in life and in general, have a better prognosis than beta myosin heavy chain or cardiac troponin T mutations. Up to 60% of patients at age 50 years have no evidence of LVH. LVH may appear later in life in these patients. Because of this, a normal EKG and a normal echocardiography at age 18 does not exclude the presence of HCM.

Arg663 His mutation

The beta-myosin heavy chain Arg663 His mutation is associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. [16]

PRKAG2 Mutation

There is no myocyte disarray, but the conduction block is present. This variant is more akin to a storage disease.[17]

Mutations that Alter the Phenotypic Expression of the Disease

An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the gene encoding for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) alters the clinical phenotype of the disease. The D/D (deletion/deletion) genotype of ACE is associated with more marked hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes. [18] [19]

Genetic Testing

Whenever a mutation is identified through genetic testing, family-specific genetic testing can be used to identify relatives at-risk for the disease (HCM Genetic Testing Overview). In individuals without a family history of HCM, the most common cause of the disease is a de novo mutation of the gene that produces the β-myosin heavy chain.

Outflow Obstruction

Depending on the degree of obstruction of the outflow of blood from the left ventricle of the heart, HCM can be defined as obstructive or non-obstructive. About 25% of individuals with HCM demonstrate an obstruction to the outflow of blood from the left ventricle during rest. In other individuals obstruction only occurs under certain conditions. This is known as dynamic outflow obstruction, because the degree of obstruction is variable and is dependent on the amount of blood in the ventricle immediately before ventricle systole (contraction).

Location Of The Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction

The left ventricular obstruction can be either

  • Mid-cavitary: the middle of the ventricle or
  • Sub-aortic: just below the aortic valve

Classification of the Valve Gradient in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The valve gradient in HCM can be classified into three categories:

  1. A gradient greater than 30 mm Mercury under basal conditions
  2. A gradient that is greater than 30 mm Mercury with provocation
  3. A gradient that is less than 30 mm Mercury at rest and with provocation

Maneuvers that Increase the Outflow Gradient

Causes of Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction: Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve (SAM)

If dynamic outflow obstruction is present in a patient with HCM, it is usually due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) may be due to a subaortic bulge of the septum along with narrowing the left ventricular outflow tract, which taken together cause high-velocity flow. This, in turn, is associated with the Venturi effect which is a local low-pressure zone in the left ventricular outflow tract. This low-pressure zone was thought to suck the mitral valve anteriorly into the septum. More recently, however, SAM onset has been observed to be instead a low-velocity phenomenon. [22] [23] The role of Venturi forces in the left ventricular outflow tract may be less important than previously thought. While the Venturi effect was thought to cause the abnormality in prior studies, more recent echocardiographic studies indicates that drag, which is more of a pushing force rather than a sucking force like the Venturi effect, maybe the dominant hydrodynamic force acting on the mitral leaflets.[22][23][24][25][26][27]

The videos below show examples of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve:

{{#ev:youtube|Y7JUVTXHBs0}}

{{#ev:youtube|6TWb-wIL0H0}}

Impact of Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve: The Spike and Dome Pattern to the Carotid Pulse

Because the mitral valve leaflet doesn't get pulled into the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) until after the aortic valve opens, the initial upstroke of the arterial pulse pressure will be normal. When the mitral valve leaflet gets pushed into the LVOT, the arterial pulse will momentarily collapse and will later be followed by a second rise in the pulse pressure, as the left ventricular pressure overcomes the increased obstruction caused by the SAM of the mitral valve. This can be seen on the physical examination as a double-tap upon palpation of the apical impulse and as a double pulsation upon palpation of the carotid pulse, known as pulsus bisferiens or a "spike and dome pattern" to the carotid pulse.

Accompanying Mitral Regurgitation

As a result of the drag effect or the Venturi effect, there may be mild to moderate mitral regurgitation in association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Most often the mitral regurgitation jet is directed posteriorly. If the jet is not directed posteriorly then other diagnoses should be considered which include myxomatous degeneration or other anomalies of the mitral valve.

Pathophysiologic Consequences of Outflow Obstruction

Chronic outflow obstruction and result in the following abnormalities:[28][29]

  • Increased left ventricular wall stress
  • Myocardial ischemia
  • Myocardial necrosis
  • Replacement fibrosis

Prognostic Significance of Outflow Obstruction

The presence of outflow obstruction is associated with a twofold increased risk of death and a 4.4 fold increase in the risk of progression to New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure. [30][31] Above a gradient of 30 mm Hg, there was no further increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death or progression of congestive heart failure symptoms.[32]

Ischemia

There is extensive periarteriolar fibrosis that results in microvascular dysfunction and impairment in coronary flow reserve in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Histopathology

Compared to normal arterioles on the left, the arterioles from a patient with hyertension (middle) show moderate periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. Shown on the right is a patient with HCM in which there is even more signficant periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. This thickening of the wall of the intramyocardial arterioles leads to an increased wall/lumen ratio, subendocardial ischemia and impaired coronary flow reserve.[33][34] Patients who subsequently died in one series had abnormal coronary flow reserve on PET scanning at baseline indicating that ischemia may play a role, at least in part, in subsequent mortality.

Arrhythmogenesis

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk of arrhythmias and sudden death. Abnormal filling of the left atrium may result in the left atrial dilation which may predispose the patient to atrial fibrillation. The presence of myocardial disarray and myocardial ischemia (due to microvascular dysfunction and episodes of reduced cardiac output) may predispose the patient to ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death.

Atrial Arrhythmias

Impaired filling of the left ventricle can lead to left atrial stretch and left atrial dilation. This, in turn, can predispose the patient to the development of atrial fibrillation. The onset of atrial fibrillation can be quite dangerous in these patients as the loss of left atrial kick and the more rapid heart rate can both diminish left ventricular filling which can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise. This hemodynamic compromise can, in turn, be associated with sudden cardiac death.

Ventricular Arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias and degeneration into sudden cardiac death may be due to the following:

It must be emphasized that atrial arrhythmias (which are commonly detected on ambulatory monitoring) can lead to ischemia and hemodynamic compromise which may, in turn, lead to sudden cardiac death in these patients as well.

Autonomic Imbalance

Assessment of autonomic function in patients with HCM often reveals abnormal responses of heart rate and blood pressure to exercise in two-thirds, which was associated with a more malignant clinical course, suggesting that autonomic imbalance may also be important in the genesis of sudden cardiac death in these patients.

Anatomic abnormalities

Individuals with HCM have some degree of left ventricular hypertrophy. In approximately 2/3rds of cases this is asymmetric hypertrophy, involving the interventricular septum, and is known as asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH). This is in contrast to the symmetric and concentric hypertrophy seen in aortic stenosis or hypertension.

Left Ventricle

The degree of ventricular hypertrophy is variable ranging from diffuse involvement of both ventricles to isolated involvement of a portion of one segment of the LV.

Data from two large registries indicate that;

  • 55% of cases involve the septum and anterolateral free wall,
  • 20% involve the entire septum alone,
  • 10% is limited to the nasal septum and 15% are limited to the apical or distal LV (Yamaguchi variant).

Some genetic variants may manifest very little overt LVH but are still associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Outflow Tract

The left ventricular outflow tract is often small.

Mitral Valve

The mitral valve maybe elongated and enlarged.

Associated Conditions

Conditions associated with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

  • [Condition 1]
  • [Condition 2]
  • [Condition 3]


Histopathologic Abnormalities

On histopathologic examination, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by both myocardial disarrays and by periarteriolar fibrosis. Myocardial disarray can be associated with aberrant impulse conduction and arrhythmias, and periarteriolar fibrosis can be associated with myocardial ischemia.

Myocardial Disarray

In HCM, the normal alignment of muscle cells is disrupted (there is a swirling pattern to the arrangement of the muscle cells), a phenomenon known as myocardial disarray. HCM is believed to be due to a mutation in one of many genes that results in a mutated myosin heavy chain, one of the components of the myocyte (the muscle cell of the heart). Histopathologically, the cardiac sarcomere is abnormal resulting in hypertrophy of the left ventricle in the absence of other disorders that could produce the condition such as hypertension, amyloid or aortic stenosis. The presence of myocardial disarray may be associated with abnormalities of electrical conduction in the heart (including electrical reentry loops) which thereby contributes to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Periarteriolar Fibrosis

Compared to normal arterioles on the left, the arterioles from a patient with hyertension (middle) show moderate periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. Shown on the right is a patient with HCM in which there is even more signficant periarteriolar thickening and fibrosis. This thickening of the wall of the intramyocardial arterioles leads to an increased wall/lumen ratio, subendocardial ischemia and impaired coronary flow reserve.[33][34] Patients who subsequently died in one series had abnormal coronary flow reserve on PET scanning at baseline indicating that ischemia may play a role, at least in part, in subsequent mortality.


Gross Pathology

On gross pathology, asymmetric interventricular wall thickening is characteristic findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Subaortic stenosis could be evident in many cases. In the Yamaguchi subtype, there is apical hypertrophy.

Microscopic Pathology

On microscopic histopathological analysis, myocardial disarray, periarteriolar fibrosis, and hypertrophy are characteristic findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Histopathologically, small vessels have hypertrophy of the tunica media. Combined with increased wall tension, decreased vasodilator reserve, and inadequate capillary density, there is a mismatch between blood supply and demand. Over time, it is thought that there is repeated ischemia followed by fibrosis and eventually, dilation and systolic dysfunction (“burned out hypertrophy”).





References

  1. Maron BJ, Moller JH, Seidman CE et al. Impact of laboratory molecular diagnosis on contemporary diagnostic criteria for genetically transmitted cardiovascular diseases. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long-QT syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. [A statement for healthcare professionals from the Councils on Clinical Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, and Basic Science, American Heart Association]. Circulation 1998;98:1460–71.
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